Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!

Chapter 1256: Chapter 1256: Owing the Zhou Family a Favor

Winter had come, and the days had grown shorter. By the time Zhou Shuren left the government office, dusk had already set in, and snowflakes like grains of sand floated in the sky. Though tiny, they would still cling to one’s shoulders if one stood outside for long.

Zhou Shuren stared at Ran Zheng and shook the snow off his cloak. ”Fine.”

Ran Zheng smiled and gestured invitingly with his hand. Zhou Shuren, without hesitation, climbed into the carriage; Ran Zheng followed suit, and the Zhou family’s carriage trailed behind them.

Today, Shen Xing accompanied Zhou Shuren. Jin Yan’s wife was pregnant again, so the elder had given Jin Yan a few days off.

Shen Xing rode a horse, feeling much more fortunate compared to the Ran family’s guards; he had a cloak and wore leather gloves—all provided by the Zhou residence.

The carriage did not travel far and soon stopped at a tavern that was lit up with lights.

Throughout the ride, neither Zhou Shuren nor Ran Zheng spoke a word; Zhou Shuren simply closed his eyes to rest.

Once they ascended to the private room, it was filled with servants from the Ran family. Drinks and dishes were already placed on the table, awaiting their seating, after which everyone vacated the room.

Zhou Shuren poured himself a drink first and, after a sip, raised an eyebrow— it was his favorite wine.

Seeing that Zhou Shuren had started drinking, Ran Zheng began to eat. He knew that if he didn’t speak up first, Zhou Shuren wouldn’t initiate the conversation. ”If I don’t speak, will you really ignore me?”

Zhou Shuren set down his chopsticks. ”I just didn’t expect that you would seek me out at this time.”

As time passed, the implications of appointing a Crown Prince grew stronger. Those who acted first in several families fell into the Emperor’s trap, unable to extricate themselves, while those stirring trouble only grew bolder.

If the Ministry of Revenue were not tightly controlled by him and the Retired Emperor did not occasionally intervene, the ministry wouldn’t have remained peaceful.

Zhou Shuren had heard the Minister of Personnel complain for two consecutive days. The Ministry of Personnel had the most mixed influences, and many within were harboring ulterior motives.

Zhou Shuren glanced out the window, which had now turned utterly dark. This time of year was always when the Ministry of Personnel conducted evaluations.

Ran Zheng gave a wry smile. ”I don’t have your confidence. Don’t worry, ascending to Consort Ran hasn’t made me ambitious.”

Zhou Shuren was surprised. ”Then why are you seeking me out so formally?”

Given Ran Zheng’s earnest expression that day, it would have been hard to not have misunderstandings.

Ran Zheng took a sip of his wine. ”It’s for others to see.”

Zhou Shuren’s mind clicked, understanding. ”You were forced to take a side?”

Ran Zheng put down his wine glass. ”Yes, our Ran family doesn’t wield much power. Even with a consort, it’s merely an addition to the harem’s influence. The queen, trying to fend for herself in the harem, would not find it difficult had I not retired early and been so passive.”

As he spoke, Ran Zheng looked towards Zhou Shuren. The forces in the harem all understood what Zhou Shuren represented; everyone wanted to win him over, yet no one dared to coerce him.

During sleepless nights, he often pondered how Zhou Shuren had reached his current position—not to mention his own position as Chief of Staff or his relationship with the royal family, all of which were grounded in reality.

With three sons from the Zhou family holding official posts—one already securing his place in the provinces, another with a promising future, and a third gradually carving out his own path—and an uncle present, indeed, his young niece was Princess Qin.

Unwittingly, Zhou Shuren had become one of the top forces in the capital.

Ran Zheng’s eyes were complex as he continued, ”You also know, my son is in the provinces, and I originally intended for my eldest son to return to the capital next year.”

Zhou Shuren squinted his eyes, ”You’re afraid someone will stop him.”

Ran Zheng gave a bitter smile, ”That’s why they’re forcing me to take sides. I think you have also seen that there won’t be a conclusion on the appointment of the Crown Prince before the end of the year.”

Zhou Shuren stroked his beard, Ran Zheng at home did understand the new Emperor well; the Emperor had made up his mind long ago, he was just dragging it out to gain the maximum benefit from the power game.

Zhou Shuren thought to himself that Ran Zheng truly had no other options, which is why he had come to seek him out. Why seek him? The Ran family and the Zhou family were connected by marriage—the wife of Zhou’s eldest grandson was Ran Zheng’s legitimate granddaughter.

Zhou Shuren asked, ”What about the lady in the palace?”

Ran Zheng replied, ”The lady is not young anymore, and her condition is just about keeping herself safe.”

Zhou Shuren understood, it boiled down to her being out of favor. If it weren’t for their daughter being a princess, it would even be difficult to see the Emperor. Now, with the Emperor and the major forces tearing each other apart, who would care about a disfavored consort’s maternal family?

When the Emperor thought of cultivation, he also needed to win in the power game. The Ran family’s influence was weak, unlike the other harem forces that were powerful and could afford to wait.

Ran Zheng didn’t want to delay his son and was also afraid his son might encounter problems abroad. Before the new Emperor had ascended the throne, the Ran family had already been attacked. Now that the new Emperor had ascended, the lady in the palace still couldn’t protect the Ran family—if not for the Emperor’s only princess, Ran Zheng’s situation would be even more difficult.

Seeing Zhou Shuren deep in thought, Ran Zheng drained another cup of wine, ”In the struggles of the capital, the weak are guilty.”

Zhou Shuren looked up, the two instances of targeting had greatly affected Ran Zheng, ”I will not get involved in the struggles of harem powers, but for our many years of friendship, I will speak up for you.”

Ran Zheng’s eyes brightened, ”Thank you.”

Zhou Shuren stared intently at Ran Zheng, ”The last time I helped the Ran family was due to marital ties. This time, your Ran family owes my Zhou family a favor, and this favor will be repaid. As for when, my descendants will come to the Ran family to claim it.”

Ran Zheng looked at Zhou Shuren blankly, then lowered his eyelids, and soon raised his head, ”Alright.”

Zhou Shuren did not want Ran Zheng to get away with empty promises. The last time it was for his second legitimate son’s future, this time it was for his eldest legitimate son—the situations of the eldest and the second sons were not the same, and marital ties were not meant to be exploited.

Zhou Shuren drank, noting Ran Zheng was showing too much weakness today; unfortunately, Zhou was not a soft-hearted man. There was nothing more to discuss, ”It’s getting late, I should leave too.”

Ran Zheng stood up to see him off, ”Let me walk you out.”

Zhou Shuren waved his hand, ”No need.”

After Zhou Shuren left, Ran Zheng’s eyes were complex. Today, even if his granddaughter had married into the Zhou family, she was merely the wife of Zhou’s eldest grandson. Zhou Shuren had climbed to his position today because he made very clear distinctions; repaying favors to the Zhou family was not going to be easy.

Zhou Shuren got back into his carriage, habitually playing with the Jade Pendant at his waist, thinking about the harem powers, then closed his eyes.

The next morning, Zhou Shuren attended the early court, but he was somewhat displeased about it. When he was a Deputy Minister, he could take turns resting, but now, as Chief of Staff, he had to attend court daily.

Today’s morning court, Zhou Shuren was too lazy to listen to the bickering between the forces; he just wanted to get back to the Ministry of Revenue soon.

Today, the Retired Emperor was supposed to come to the Ministry of Revenue, reportedly bringing roasted sweet potatoes. Thinking about this scene, Zhou Shuren’s beard twitched uncontrollably. The Retired Emperor was becoming more down-to-earth and truly letting loose.

Especially when the Retired Emperor pretended to be ignorant, he quite understood the commoners. During his free time, the Retired Emperor would share some glorious stories with him, right, he even taught him how to pick locks—yes, he had unlocked the skill of lock-picking!

After the morning court ended, Zhou Shuren hurried back to the Ministry of Revenue. The Retired Emperor had not yet arrived!